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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2009

AIEA LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Bill Clark called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m. with no quorum present at this time. Note: This 15 member Board requires eight (8) votes to have a quorum and take official Board action.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Tracy Arakaki, Mary Booth, William Clark, Wilbert Ho, Ron Mobley, George Passmore, Susan Sheldon, Jane Sugimura, Monica Texeira, Kelsey Wells (Appointed this evening).

MEMBERS ABSENT: Dave Arakawa, Danielle Lum, Ruby Hargrave, Carl Jacobs Silvia Sugihara.

VACANCIES: None.

GUESTS: Breene Harimoto (Office of Councilmember Gary Okino), Kristine Duong (Office of Representative K. Mark Takai), Ken Best (Office of Representative Blake Oshiro), Sharleen Oshiro (Office of Councilmember Romy Cachola), Chong Ho, Sgt. Lui Pestana (Honolulu Police Department, Pearl City), Ron Fitch, Kelsey Wells, Capt. Vern Enriques and Firefighters Tay Enos and Kevin Ishida (Honolulu Fire Department – Aiea), Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), Gerald Sakamura, Debbie Hiramoto (Office of Senator Donna Kim), Phil Booth, David Tanoue (Office of the Mayor/ Acting Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Gary Omori (Honolulu Rail Transit), David Knox, Beverly Hoversland, Carol Fardal, Suzette Adversalo, Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS: The roll call of Board members was administered with six (6) members present at this time (Arakaki, Booth, Ho, Mobley, Texeira, Clark).

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS – The guests introduced themselves at this time.

PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:

7:40 p.m. Passmore and Sheldon arrived; 8 members - quorum now present.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Firefighter K. Ishida reported:

1. January 2009 statistics: 4 structures, 2 rubbish, 4 vehicle, 82 medical, and 27 miscellaneous (water evacuation, false alarm, alarm activation, good intent) calls.

7:41 p.m. Sugimura arrived (9 members now present)

2. Fire Safety Tip: Smoke alarms save lives and are an important part of a home fire escape plan. Since the late 1970’s, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms have contributed to an almost 50% decrease in fire deaths. According to the national fire Protection Association, 65% of reported home fire deaths in  2000-2004 resulted from fires in homes that had no or inoperable smoke alarms. An estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes contained working smoke alarms. Do you have working smoke alarms in your home?
3. Smoke alarm and Fire Safety Tips: 1) Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement. 2) Test smoke alarms at least once a month or a directed by the manufacturer. 3) Replace smoke alarm batteries once a year or a directed by the manufacturer. 4) Practice your home fire escape plan. 5) Designate a safe meeting place outside your home.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. L. Pestana reported statistics for January 2009:

• Beat 374 (Pearl City Peninsula to Kaahumanu Street) – 9 auto thefts, 5 burglaries, 11 thefts.
• Beat 375 (Kaahumanu Street up to Kaonohi Street) – 8 auto thefts, 9 burglaries, 10 thefts.
• Beat 380 (Kaonohi Street to the valley including the shopping center) – 9 auto thefts, 3 burglaries, 26 thefts.
• Beat 381 (Aiea Heights) – 1 auto theft, 2 burglaries, 3 thefts.
• Beat 382 (Lower Aiea/Middle Pearl Ridge) – 3 auto thefts, 5 burglaries 9 thefts.
• Beat 383 (Aiea to Halawa) – 0 auto thefts, 3 burglaries, 3 thefts.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Tracy Burgo reported the following:

1. Water main break – January 9, 2009, 8-inch PVC pipe at 98-112 Kanuku Street.
2. New Manager and Chief Engineer – BWS is pleased to announced that Wayne Hashiro has recently joined them as the new manager and chief engineer. As manager, he will be responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of BWS, with a focus on furthering the department’s mission, “Water for Life – Ka Wai Ola,” and expanding its efforts to become a truly world class water utility. Log on to www.boardofwatersupply.org for more information on Wayne Hashiro.
3. Halawa Xeriscape Garden Workshops:

·         February 28, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon, Adults will learn to make organic pesticides.

·         March 21 and May 9, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, learn how worms can turn food waste into organic fertilizer at the worm workshop.

·         Contact Diane Moses at 748-5363 or email tours@bws.org to register. For a list of upcoming classes, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Questions, comments, concerns: Water levels are doing pretty well. However consumers are encouraged to make water conservation a life style.

Board of Education (BOE) – Eileen Clarke reported:  1) According to the Council of Revenue’s prediction there are dire budget constraints. Partnerships with private industry are forming. The BOE must be prepared for the forthcoming stimulus and are waiting more information. 2) Attended the Milken Award Ceremony. 3) Next BOE meeting, Tuesday, March 10, 2009, Moanalua Elementary School from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

APPROVAL OF JANUARY 12, 2008 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Chair Clark asked if there were any corrections/additions to the January 12, 2009 regular meeting minutes: Without objection the regular meeting minutes of January 12, 2009 was accepted as written.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Deferred.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS: There were no community concerns.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Aiea Community Association (ACA) – Claire Tamamoto reported: 1) The large hole on Aiea Heights Drive has been repaired. 2) Regarding the horseshoe turn on upper Aiea Heights Drive, a private contractor is installing geo lab borings to check under the road. 3) There are ongoing concerns regarding a mentally challenged halfway house on Kaamilo Street run by Care Hawaii. The residents have since moved out, but less challenged people will be moving in. Another community meeting will be scheduled. Tamamoto was under the impression that a Conditional Use Permit, as well as a Neighborhood Board presentation was required. To date no Board presentation has been made or surrounding neighbors notified. 3) Reported at the ACA meeting by a Kaala District representative that mentors are being sought for the Boy Scout program. 4) The Aiea Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2009. 5) The next ACA meeting will be held on February 23, at the Aiea Public Library Conference room, at 7:00 p.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Filling of Vacancy, Sub District 4 (one seat, Newtown/Royal Summit): Chair Clark asked if there was any interested person present to fill the vacancy. Kelsey Wells volunteered to fill the vacancy and highlighted briefly her interests in the community. Ho moved, seconded by Sheldon appointing Kelsey Wells to fill the vacancy in sub district 2. The neighborhood assistant administered the oath of office.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP) – Gary Omori reported: The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) comment period expired last week.  Over 800 comments were received. He is working with the Banana Patch residents regarding right-of-way issues. A meeting with the Banana Patch residents and landlords was held on January 24, 2009.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: 1) A comment made was that the rail is similar to the one in Phoenix which cost $1.7 million, asking why the large difference in cost. Omori replied inflation, higher labor costs, etc. Tanoue explained that it is hard to compare because ours is an elevated system, whereas the one is Phoenix is a ground level system and the Oahu rail system would have more convenience, speed and reliability. 2) Proposals are going out as the first step developing the different teams.

Kamehameha Highway Improvements Project Task Force (KHIPTF) - Kristine Duong reported: With funds already appropriated, the State Department of Transportation (DOT) and City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) have begun to implement projects addressing the issues important to the community to make safety, traffic and aesthetic improvements, add features that evoke the culture and history of the area and strike a balance of multiple transportation modes in this corridor. Projects include installing traffic monitoring camera at strategic locations providing full coverage of the entire corridor, intersection modernization, pedestrian countdown signals installed at each intersection from Acacia Road to Center Drive, underground fiber optics to establish a communications link between all intersections and the traffic control center downtown, intersection signal improvements and optimizing signal timing plans for weekday and weekend peak travel times. The project display boards were unveiled at Pearlridge Center Uptown on February 1, 2009 and are available for public viewing until February 21, 2009. Representative Takai’s office is making arrangements for the DOT to give an update at the next Neighborhood Board meeting. Chair Clark added for more information google Kamehameha Highway improvements.

NEW BUSINESS:

Application for CUP (Conditional Use Permit) for a Type 2 Adult Care Home (above 6 persons) located at 98-570 Kaamilo Street – David Knox and Beverly Hoversland presented the following: Plans are to enlarge this 33,000 square foot lot to accommodate 10 residents. However, the care home would be allowed to have up to 16 residents according to zoning codes. All residents would reside on the ground level with the care givers occupying the second floor. Carol Fardal mentioned that the entrance would be on Kaamilo Street and Kaimu Loop. The facility would be privately owned and operated. Preference would be given to Aiea and Pearl City seniors. The request for more residents is because there will be a few larger rooms to accommodate couples. Staffing will be 24 hours with two workers on the day shift (12 hour shifts) and one worker overnight. Monthly fire drills are held. Visiting hours would be from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and should run about fifteen minutes per visitor. For admission residents must be ambulatory, no dementia, violent behavior and age in place. Residents must sign a waiver if leaving the property. Inspections are done annually by the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) and State Department of Health (DOH). Both neighbors next to the home are in support.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Cost would be $6,000 per month per resident for this private run facility. 2) The home will have seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms with the owner’s quarters upstairs. 3) Regarding meeting the required space per person, the renovations would triple the existing space. 4) As required by law, a nurse would be on duty 24/7.awake and dressed. The care home will have smoke alarms and a sprinkler system. 5) Per the DOH the facility is allowed to have three (3) expandable patients. 6) Concern was raised about the loading and off loading for the handicapped. In answer, the property has a large garage (30 feet) and area to accommodate the HandiVan without disrupting the surrounding

Passmore moved seconded by Mobley that the Aiea Neighborhood Board No. 20 does not object to granting of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP).

Discussion followed: 1) A type 2 CUP permit allows up to 14 unrelated people. Tanoue added that it is up to the Land Use Ordinance, and this Type 2 license considers this a family. The motion was ADOPTED unanimously, 10-0-0, (Booth. Passmore, Mobley, Sugimura, Clark, Ho, Texeira, Sheldon, Arakaki, Wells)

Proposed Striping Plan for Kaahele Street Between Komo Mai Drive and Kilinoe Street -  Layden Akasaki and reported:. DTS is working with Rep. Takai following the recommendations and comments from the January 28, 2009 Pearl City Town meeting. A ten foot shoulder parking lane and pedestrian crossing with line warnings on Kaahele Street will be installed.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Chair Clark mentioned that mauka bound would have no dedicated lane. Akasaki said that the road will be fixed and resurfaced, out to bid at the end of the year, and construction to follow. 2) Texeira asked if Moanalua Road would be restriped and resurfaced in the future. 3) Mobley reiterated that a narrow yellow strip would replace the dedicated lane in, but an exhilaration exit lane. 4) Tamamoto asked if the bus stop would be relocated closer to the crosswalk on the mauka side of the recreation center driveway. She suggested that the bus stop be moved makai closer to the comfort station. 5) According to the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Moanalua Road to Kaahumanu Street and Kaahumanu Street to Pali Momi Street resurfacing will be put out to bid in 2009. 6) It was relayed that when it rains there is no line visibility from Pono Street to Kaahele Street. 6) In response to a resident, freeway ramps are under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Transportation.

Chair Clark relinquished the gavel to 1^st Vice Chair Sugimura.

Proposed Resolution in Support of Funding and Construction of the Eastbound H-1 Freeway Widening Project at Middle Street and H-1 Freeway Contra Flow Project from the Waiawa Interchange to Radford Drive -  Clark moved, seconded by Ho a proposed 35 in support of funding the construction of the eastbound H-1 freeway widening project at Middle and H-1 freeway contra flow project from the Waiawa Interchange to Radford Drive.

Discussion followed: 1) Mobley said that he attended the meeting where the project was explained of 2 dedicated lanes and the possibility of having a P.M. contra - flow at peak hours. 2) The project will include set dividers on the freeway.

The motion was ADOPTED unanimously, 10-0-0 (Arakaki, Booth, Passmore, Mobley, Sugimura, Clark, Ho, Texeira, Sheldon, Wells).

Chair Clark resumed the order of the agenda.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

Councilmember Gary Okino – Breene Harimoto circulated the written report and was available for questions.

Representative Blake Oshiro – Ken Best reported: A traffic signal at the intersection of Iwa Iwa Street and Halawa Heights Road was requested of DOT and DTS. The intersection is dangerous with cars running into walls, using the route as a bypass to the Halawa Industrial area and speeding

Questions, comments, concerns: A resident noted that her brother was a victim of an accident going uphill at the intersection of Iwa iwa Street and Halawa Heights Drive.. She stated that Iwa Iwa Street currently has only a crosswalk sign. Tanoue will follow up if a traffic study was done at that intersection. Sheldon said that at one time there were counters, but is not sure if a traffic study was previously completed.

Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro distributed the written report noted: It was reported that there is graffiti at comfort station at Makalapa District Park. Tamamoto added that Puuwai residents have been given paint and will do the paint over. Mobley pointed out that graffiti artists are now doing graffiti on sidewalks.

Senator Donna Kim – Debbie Hiramoto reported: 1) The Community Bulletin with a survey was mailed to constituents. 2) Announced that the next town meeting will be held at Pearl Ridge Elementary School cafeteria on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

Representative K. Mark Takai – Kristine Duong circulated the written report and announced that Rep. Takai will be joining our soldiers of the 29^th Brigade Combat Team in Kuwait early February.

Questions, comments, concerns: Follow up will be done regarding Arakaki’s request of bills relating to the stadium.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative – David Tanoue reported:

1. Status of the Makalapa Park Drainage Study – The drainage study is completed and the City is evaluating the feasibility of various alternatives.
2. Run-off and silt from Makalapa Park – The evaluation of the drainage easement should be referred to the City Departments of Design and Construction and Department of Planning and Permitting.
3. Easement behind 99-130 Kalaloa Street – The drain easement does not belong to the City and County. Maintenance of this easement of this easement is the responsibility of the property owners that the easement traverses.
4. Aiea Heights Drive Horseshoe Turn – According to the City Department of Facility Maintenance, the area is within the scope of Aiea Heights Drive Emergency Roadway Improvements project. Design is on-going and they anticipate soliciting bid at summer of 2009. Currently the ground area is being tested.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Regarding the easement, the homeowner must go through the subdivision process relative to flowage easements over private lots. 2) Mobley pointed out that the problem reported was run-off from the park because the park has no drainage. Tanoue answered that the City recognizes the problem with the park drainage and seeking what is most feasible. 3) The problem with the overflowing easement is that other property owners are blocking the flowage with trash, etc. 4) Tamamoto reiterated that the issue is run-off from the park not the city easement.

Governor Linda Lingle’s Representative – No representative was present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Executive – Chair Clark reported: 1) Liquor Commission notice for a liquor license application at 98-247 Kaahumanu Street. 2) Correspondence received from Senator Sakamoto that the road work on Puuloa Road was completed on January 29, 2009. Sugimura commented that the barriers are down and the road is very nice. 3) Received notice of a general liquor license - applicant is 711 Stores for a new location at 99-236 Moanalua Road.  3) Reminded Board members and guests that deadline for the 2009 Neighborhood Board Elections is Friday, February 20, 2009.

Parks and Recreation – Ho reported: 1) the mangrove was removed from Rainbow Bay State Park. The Navy removed the graffiti from the wall and the Lions Club took care of the pavilion. He spoke with the caretaker about the bad condition of the restrooms and was told that they were trashed by the homeless. A fence will be put up to hinder the problem. 2) He visited Napuanani Park and found people drinking in the parking and breaking beer bottles in the parking lot.

Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) – Mobley reported the next RAB meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2009, Aiea Library Conference Room at 6:30 p.m.

There were no other committee reports.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• The next regular Board meeting will be held on Monday, March 9, 2009, Aiea Public Library Conference Room at 7:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Submitted by,                                                    Reviewed by,

Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant               William Clark, Chair

Proposed Resolution in Support of Funding and Construction of the Eastbound H-1 Freeway Widening Project at Middle Street and H-1 Freeway Contra Flow Project from the Waiawa Interchange to Radford Drive -  Clark moved, seconded by Ho a proposed 35 in support of funding the construction of the eastbound H-1 freeway widening project at Middle and H-1 freeway contra flow project from the Waiawa Interchange to Radford Drive.

WHEREAS, the INRIX Traffic Scorecard, released in October 2008, named Honolulu as having the worst traffic congestion in the U.S., AND

WHEREAS, most of the traffic congestion on week days is on the eastbound H-1 freeway in the morning and on the westbound H-1 freeway in the afternoon and early evening; and

WHEREAS, INRIX reported the Middle Street merge as the 41^st worst bottleneck in the nation; and

WHEREAS, the eastbound H-1 freeway widening project entails conversion of the Middle Street merge into a new lane from Ola Lane to Vineyard Boulevard; and

WHEREAS, the population of Central Oahu is projected to be 195,620 in 2030 or 31.040 more than estimated in 2008; and

WHEREAS, the Hawaii State Department of Transportation (DOT) successfully implemented various traffic improvement projects such as the Nimitz Highway contraflow lane and the H-1 freeway Zipper Lane; and

WHEREAS, the H-1 contraflow project involves construction of concrete barriers for 6.2 miles from the Waiawa Interchange to Radford Drive for an additional HOV lane for morning commuters and as an additional lane for westbound P.M. commuters; and

WHEREAS, the existing Zipper Lane will be eliminated, saving the State an estimated $1 million annually in Zip Mobile costs; and

WHEREAS, the construction of the H-1 freeway contraflow lane will enable emergency vehicles faster mobility through the H-1 freeway corridor during rush hour; and provide the DOT with the option to open contraflow lanes should the need arise during non-peak travel periods; and

WHEREAS, both of these projects are included in the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan with the Federal Highway Administration typically funding 80% of project costs; and

WHEREAS, the 20% State share, amounting to about $3 million, has been appropriated for the related H-1 freeway contraflow project between the Waiawa Interchange (H-1/H-2 merge) and the Waikele off-ramp; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Aiea Neighborhood Board No. 20 supports the funding and construction of the eastbound H-1 freeway widening project at Middle Street, and the H-1 freeway contraflow project from Radford Drive to the Waiawa Interchange, and recommends that commuters to Central Oahu be granted an exit from the H-1 freeway contraflow lane to the H-1 freeway; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Aiea Neighborhood Board No. 20 strongly urges the State Legislature to appropriate the State portion for both the H-1 freeway contraflow project from Radford Drive to the Waiawa Interchange, and the eastbound H-1 freeway widening at Middle Street; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to U.S. Senators Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representatives Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono, Governor Linda Lingle, Mayor Mufi Hannemann, State Senators Norman Sakamoto, Donna Mercado Kim, David Ige, State Representatives Lynn Finnegan, Blake Oshiro, K. Mark Takai, State and City Directors of Transportation, all members of the Policy Committee of the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Councilmember’s Romy Cachola and Gary Okino.

ADOPTED by the Aiea Neighborhood Board at its regular meeting of February 9, 2009 by a vote of 10-0-0.